Another Variation of a Menu

If you have any recipes you especially like (and are easy), I would love to feature them on my blog.

Monday - Soup and bread night. I like to make Chicken soup of some kind. My mother taught me how to use the left over bones of a chicken. They usually have a bit of meat left on them, you can add what ever extra you need. This makes a nice broth...add salt and spices, some vegetables. Take out the bones of course. And BINGO, PRESTO Chicken soup. You can add dumplings or pasta or rice. Make a salad and bread to complement the meal.

Tuesday - New recipe night. I like to make a good meal at least once a week. I used to do that on Sundays. I discovered this was too stressful, so I moved it to a week night.

Wednesday - Bean Burrito night. Our family loves bean burritos. It is cheep and very healthy. You get the protein from the beans, add cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and onion. YUM!

Thursday - Baked chicken casserole (easy). They used turkey, I only had chicken.

Friday - Pizza and a movie night.

Saturday - I like to pick a family favorite.

Sunday - Left overs.

Hope you have fun planning your menu this week. Let me know what new recipes you come across.

Proverbs 31:13

OK, verse 13, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." (NIV).

This woman was a sales woman and a bargain shopper. I don't think I know any woman who does not like a bargain. Yes, as home makers we can shop. Just always ask, "do I need this?"

I have found asking my husbands advice, especially at the beginning of our marriage, has been helpful. He thinks differently than I do and often asks questions I would never think of. Now that we have been married 10 years I do not bug him with many questions. Only when I am stumped I seek his advice. I know he trusts me.

She is also willing and eager to work hard with her hands. Lets face it ladies. Some times the only way to do a job right is to get in there and get our hands dirty.

To me de-boning a cooked chicken was the grosses thing. To save money I had to 'humiliate' myself. YUCK! I actually ended up spending more to begin with because I bought latex gloves to wear to do the job. I had to be desensitised. Now after many boxes of latex gloves I can de-bone a chicken in little time.

Making Meals Easier

Hello Friends!

I was chatting with my sister about meals. We all know how hard it is to plan what we are going to eat, especially if it is going to be nice. Sure a can of soup and a tuna sandwich might be good for us and the kids don't mind. But, what about our husbands? Yes, they should be happy with whatever we place in front of them. Yet, some times what we place in front of them is...well, a great exuse for take out.

So, not all of us can afford take out every night and "science projects" well, don't always look appetising. Good though they may be. Presentation is 50% of the taste.

It was important for my husband for us to have a nice dinner at a specific time every day. This is not always accomplished, but it is my goal.

This is what I have done. During the day the kids and I eat what ever is easy for me. My menu for the week only encompasses supper. I begin preparing about 3pm for supper to be on the table at 6pm. If I am going to be out or have any appointments, I prep things in the morning or use my crock pot.

Here is my menu for this next week. I also try to shop between Wednesday and Saturday. This is when stores usually have the best sales on meat.

Monday - Chicken Noodle soup with bread and salad

Tuesday - Beef Stir fry

Wednesday - Bean Burritos

Thursday - Chicken wraps

Friday - always pizza and a movie night

Saturday and Sunday - I cook up enough beef to have tacos on Saturday and taco salad for lunch on Sunday.

What are your family favorites?

I found trying to have a traditional 'nice' lunch on Sunday was too stressful. It's leftovers for us.

You can e-mail me for any recipes. wardtravel4@msn.com

Proverbs 31:12

Proverbs 31 in the 21st Century

Hello again. I hope every one had a great weekend.

This next verse is one of my favorites.

Verse 12 says: "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." NIV

When we marry, we are trusting ourselves to another person. Some one we believe will take care of us. Some times though we get a few weeks, months or years into our marriages and realize this husband is not doing for me or being the person I expected him to be. Regardless of our husbands actions we can still obey scripture ourselves. We have been commanded to bring our husband good and not harm all the days of our lives.

I know, I know, what if he is not obeying God? You worry about you. Certainly pray and talk to God about it. But, it doesn't change your command. Remember I Peter 2:20-21, see September 14th's "Face It!"

Face It!

Face It!



Let's face it ladies, we work hard. Hard work is worth rewarding. But, some times the only thing we are working hard at, is trying to get our own time and space. Have you ever noticed when you are TRYING to have time to yourself there are ALWAYS interruptions?



I remember being so frustrated at my husband, children and house because I could never get a moment to myself. It was a sink or swim situation. I certainly couldn't get away, I did love them after all.

So then, was I to sink in despair and anger OR was I to give up my time and "swim with the flow". Much against my will! Pure survival. For the love of myself (avoiding insanity) and my family I MUST swim. I had to FACE IT!




Surprise! Did I just have a relaxing, reflecting moment to myself? How did that happen? You can not imagine unless you have experienced it. As I gave up time for myself it seemed the more I began to have...and it was guilt free! As my focus changed to God's directive, being a worker at home and for home, I noticed all the little interruptions that used to get under my skin became little blessings.



Do I still struggle? Most emphatically, YES!



I want to encourage you. Where is your focus? The dishes and laundry and wiping of snotty noses still have to be done. Don't RUN from it. FACE IT! Don't get angry. FACE IT! Yes some times, most times, we feel beaten. Do not despair. Look to Jesus. I believe we as Home Makers can follow Jesus' command to "pick up our cross daily and follow Him." ATTITUDE changes perspective...to the good or the bad.



I Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)

"For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps:"


BE WHO YOU WERE CREATED TO BE

Proverbs 31 woman in the 21st century cont.

Proverbs 31 Woman in the 21st Century cont.


If you haven't read August 29th's post, I would love to read your thoughts on "Does your husband trust you?"


Today's verse and question:


"Her husband lacks nothing of value." Proverbs 31:11b


What is of value to you and do you have it? What does your husband value? Please don't presume based on his actions. Men and women do and think differently. Go ahead ask him what is of value to him. You may be suprised.


Any one have any practical application?


Value to me is happiness.
My mother always strove to create a happy home for us and our father. So, it is sometimes natural and taken for granted having a happy home. The house is not always clean and supper is not always ready, but when my husband comes home we give him a royal welcome...deserved or not deserved. This welcome always makes him shine. Remember, he has been working hard too.



Value to me is God.


Making sure we have time for Prayer, Bible study and Church is a priority. Jesus is our only savior.





Value to me is time spent with family and friends.